Sydney FC have called a press conference for a "major announcement" at 5pm today where they are expected to confirm Emerton, 32, is joining the club on a three year deal, as first revealed by au.fourfourtwo.com on Monday.

The late timing of the press conference has sparked speculation it may include a video link with Emerton in the UK, where it will be 8am.

The apparently wirlwind deal - in the wake of Harry Kewell's move to Melbourne Victory - has been in the pipeline since at least last May.

Emerton was on the verge of making the return to Australia at the end of the last EPL season when Rovers looked certain to be relegated.

A deal had been struck then that would bring Emo home - but Blackburn's great escape to survive in the top flight for another season apparently ended any hope of the deal going through.

But the new owners of Rovers have been struggling to balance the books at Blackburn and are keen to offload players to slash their wages bill.

As a result, Rovers appear to have agreed to forego a transfer fee for Emerton despite the Socceroo veteran still having a year left on his contract to allow him to return to Australia with his family.

Emerton is expected to make his final appearance for the EPL side at the weekend when Blackburn take on Tim Cahill's Everton.

Emerton will then fly to Australia to join the Socceroos squad in Brisbane for the World Cup Qualifiers against Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

He may join Sydney training immediately afterwards and could make his sky blues debut in the pre-season wamr up clash against Newcatsle Jets on September 17.

He has spoken before of his desire to finish his career in Australia, but to return at an age when he can still play at his best and contribute to the growth of the game Down Under.

"I do still feel like I have a lot to offer and who knows how long the body will hold up for," he said.

"At the moment I am feeling good but I have always said that I would like to play in the A-League and I don't want to go back and play when I am old and can't run.

"I would like to go back when I am in decent shape and play a major role."

The arrival of Emerton sets up a sizzling opener to the new A-League season when Emerton and Sydney will face Kewell and Melbourne Victory.

The news comes as the FFA gave media and bloggers an insight into their marketiing strategy for next season with the target of making it a bumper season that breaks down the barriers and unites the sport as one.

With Emerton and Kewell both joining Jets marquee Jason Culina to play in the A-League next season, it is guaranteed that interest in the domestic competition will never have been higher.